Related Experiment Videos
Normal cutaneous sensibility of the face
J C Posnick1, A G Zimbler, J A Grossman
1Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study established normal facial sensory values in healthy individuals. Pressure and vibratory thresholds proved most reliable for assessing facial skin sensation across different nerve regions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Facial sensory perception is crucial for various functions.
- Establishing normative data for facial sensibility is essential for clinical assessment.
- Previous studies lacked comprehensive data across multiple sensory modalities and facial regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal values for facial tactile sensibility.
- To evaluate sensory function using two-point discrimination, pressure, and vibratory thresholds.
- To correlate sensory findings with specific peripheral sensory nerve distributions in the head and neck.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 36 healthy subjects for facial sensory perception.
- Utilized static and moving two-point discrimination tests.
- Measured pressure and vibratory thresholds in four distinct facial nerve territories.
Main Results:
- Cutaneous sensibility showed regional variations but was consistent within individuals and across subjects.
- Pressure and vibratory threshold measurements yielded the most reliable and reproducible data.
- Sensory data demonstrated a clear relationship to the specific peripheral nerves innervating each facial region.
Conclusions:
- Normal values for facial sensibility were successfully established.
- Pressure and vibratory thresholds are recommended as reliable methods for assessing facial sensation.
- The findings provide a baseline for future clinical evaluations of facial sensory deficits.